Hamilton County to pilot new Real ID driver's license program

Hamilton County to pilot new Real ID driver's license program

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security has selected the Hamilton County Clerk's office to pilot implementation of the new Real ID driver's license law for clerk offices.

The Real ID Act was passed in 2005 at the recommendation of the 9/11 Commission with the goal of preventing terrorism, clamping down on fraud and improving the reliability of identification documents issued by state governments, Hamilton County Clerk Bill Knowles said in a news release.

Only people with verified identification will be able to fly, enter federal buildings or otherwise conduct business with the government.

The new Real ID driver's license will meet new minimum standards, including of proof of identity, U.S. citizenship or legal status, verification of the source documents provided, and security standards for the offices that issue licenses

"A noticeable change to motorists is that a temporary paper license will be issued initially. The permanent laminated license will be mailed to applicants by the Department of Safety within 20 days," Knowles said in the news release.

New equipment will be installed at the county clerk's office on Thursday, he said.